Barristers practise as self-employed, referral professionals. Until recently, it was not normally possible for members of the public to go to a barrister direct. They needed to use a solicitor or some other recognised professional or Licensed Access client. However, the Bar Council has relaxed its rules relating to direct access.

There are now, therefore, three main routes of access to a barrister.

1) Professional Client Access

The following people may instruct barristers either on behalf of clients or on their own account:

In any matter for all types of work:

• Solicitors
• Other authorised litigators
• Parliamentary agents, patent agents, trademark agents and Notaries
• European lawyers registered with the Law Society
• Employed barristers and/or European lawyers registered with the Bar Council
• Legal Advice Centres designated by the Bar Council

In limited areas of work:

• Licensed conveyancers in matters in which they are providing conveyancing services
• Foreign lawyers for advice only

2) Public Access

Members of the Public, and commercial and non-commercial organisations are now able to instruct barristers directly on most civil matters. To discuss instructing a barrister on a Public Access basis please speak to Martin Williams on 020 7405 4321.

3) Licensed Access

Licensed access is a licensing system whereby organisations or individuals who are suitable to instruct barristers because they have expertise in particular areas of the law can apply to the Bar Council to be licensed to instruct barristers directly in those areas. The licence can cover advice or representation or both and permit licensees to instruct barristers either on their own affairs or on behalf of their clients. For more information on Licensed access please see the Bar Council website here.

Enquiries about instructing members of chambers may be directed to the Senior Clerk, John Call, or any member of the clerking team.

Barristers at 8 New Square handle litigation for some of the leading commercial organisations around the world, as well as for individuals and smaller companies or firms. Resources are available to deal with large-scale trials as well as speedy applications.

Members of chambers have extensive experience in obtaining and resisting interlocutory injunctions and similar orders. We have always been at the forefront in developing creative remedies to meet the changing needs of clients - one former member of chambers is credited with inventing the Anton Piller order.

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